Sometimes, you are left without a choice but to hide your files and folders. After all, you cannot always predict what will happen. Who knows? Some friend of yours might accidentally open the secret files that you’ve kept on your file manager. If you don’t want this to happen, then you better learn how to create a hidden file or folder on Android.

If you want to hide files and folders, the first thing that you need to do is to check if your device has a pre-installed file manager. If it has none, you can go to the Play Store and download one. Anyways, most of today’s Android devices have a built-in file manager. Sadly, not all of them are equipped with the necessary tools and options that you need to hide your files and folders.

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Moving on, the next thing that you need to do is to open your Android phone or tablet’s file manager. After which, go to your root directory (ex. /sdcard) and select a sub-directory where you want to hide your files. Your sub-directory will usually appear as /sdcard/pictures or /storage/sdcard0/documents. It’s up to you to choose the sub-directory or folder that you want.

As for the next step, you simply need to create a new folder under your sub-directory. To do this, you can tap the “new folder” or “new directory” option from its main menu and then you rename that folder as “.hidden”. Remember, you must include the dot (.) sign right before the word “hidden”. Without this, your folder will remain visible. You are also not allowed to use any other name for your folder.

Once you’ve successfully create a hidden folder, you’re now ready to move or transfer the files that you want to hide. Apparently, every file or document that you place on your hidden folder will be concealed. The only way to reveal these files is to change or update your file manager’s default viewing options.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that there is no guarantee that your hidden folders and files won’t be exposed to unauthorized users. Therefore, it would be best for you to keep your secret files in an encrypted vault that is protected by a security pin or password.